This list includes songs in which both Bruce Springsteen and Amanda Palmer channel Lou Reed — Palmer probably succeeds more. And with the Dropkick Murphys, the Pogues, and Ballydowse, it’s a pretty good list for punk shanties.

“Belshazzar,” Johnny Cash says, was the first song he played for Sam Phillips at Sun Records. It’s a jaunty little Southern Gospel song, until you listen to the lyrics, which walk that fine line where the prophetic meets the apocalyptic. “Your kingdom cannot stand,” Daniel tells the emperor and the oppressor. Theologically, that’s not the stuff of white Southern Gospel, but of Black Gospel. It’s more “Let My People Go” than it is “I’ll Fly Away.”

The term “liberation theology” scares a lot of people because they don’t know what it means. When you meet somebody like that, play Johnny Cash’s “Belshazzar” for them, that’ll explain it.

(The term “liberation theology” also scares a lot of people because they do know what it means. When you meet somebody like that, play “Belshazzar” for them and scare ’em a little more.)

Okay, this is something I’ve always wondered about: in the Ram Jam video, what is the purpose of the shirtless guy to the left of the screen, behind the lead singer/guitarist? He has no instrument, doesn’t sing, just sort of dances around in a clueless way. I remember Ram Jam from back in the day (senior year of high school!), and I still love this song, but the video (which I saw for the first time only a couple of years ago) puzzles me. Maybe he’s a male go-go dancer? Who knew this band was so forward-looking in terms of gender roles?

I would have liked to include “Eat Bertha’s Mussels,” for local color. But I don’t happen to own it, and I can’t find it anyway. Maybe it’s one of those songs that’s only performed live. But remember,if ever you’re ashore in Baltimore, and you fancy a bite to eat,
just follow your nose to Bertha’s, you’ll be in for a rare old treat.

If you try only one tune from this list, “St. Brendan’s Voyage” from the irreplaceable (and irrepressible) Christy Moore is my favorite. The music is shamelessly cheerful, and the lyrics are both clever and delightfully silly.